Fujairah Ruler Says UAE Fully Supports Interfaith Dialogue

At the Global Interfaith Dialogue held last week in New York the United Arab Emirates gave its full support to interfaith cooperation.

In his paper the Ruler of Fujairah, H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Sharqi said that the diversity of faiths and cultures is a valuable human heritage, which needs to be protected. This diversity can be perpetuated through collective efforts to preserve the sublime human values enshrined by various faiths, and holding together to combat aggression and oppression.

'Followers of various faiths should help each other to let the truth and peace prevail', the UAE delegation leader, Sheikh Hamad said.

Sheikh Hamad said that through accepting the call made by King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, earlier in July 2008 in Madrid, for a wider global interfaith dialogue, the United Nations has enhanced its vital role for building the alliance of civilisations across the world.

The Fujairah ruler felt that the interfaith dialogue will spread the principles of tolerance and the culture of peace.

'We have to work together to propagate the culture of tolerance and dialogue, support its institutions, widen its horizons and endorse it as the way into world peace. We have to stop squandering the world's human resources and refrain from threatening the future of our planet', Sheikh Hamad added.

'Understanding among religions should be based on full respect to the sovereignty of individual countries, their territorial integrity, the distinctiveness of the faiths they follow and their economic and social characteristics', Sheikh Hamad continued.

He stressed that the programmes aimed at spreading the culture of peace should guarantee the respect to religions, their symbols and the role of worship. The practices of intentional distortion and tarnishing of religions should end.

He noted that the UN conventions and the Human Rights Declaration epitomise in them the respect to religions and the freedom of faith.

Religion in the UAE
In his speech, Sheikh Hamad shed light on the magnificent religious harmony in the United Arab Emirates, where the followers of various religions lead a peaceful life, enjoying the freedom of belief and practice. He also noted that UAE enacted a series of legislations promoting and protecting freedom of faith and religious harmony.

Sheikh Hamad said: 'The UAE believes that the call into the culture of peace, non-violence and peaceful coexistence constitute one of the priorities of our global strategy which functions within the framework of the UN system. This is to ensure protection of our society and territories from violence, extremism and terrorism, and to eliminate chances of clashes and warfare'.

Recommendations of the Madrid Conference
Sheikh Hamad called on the world community to adopt the recommendations of the Madrid Conference, July 2008:

The Madrid Conference recommended the following decisions:

1. To reject theories that call for the clash of civilizations and cultures and to be aware of the danger of campaigns seeking to create and deepen conflicts, so destabilizing peace and security.

2. To enhance common human moral values, cooperate in their promotion within societies, and to address the problems that hinder their achievement.

3. To disseminate the culture of mutual respect and understanding through dialogue among peoples by holding conferences and symposia, as well as by developing relevant cultural, educational and media programs.

4. To agree on international guidelines for dialogue among the followers of religions in different cultures through which moral values and ethical principles, which are common elements of religions, are confirmed and supported so as to strengthen stability and achieve prosperity for all humans.

5. To work on a document related to the promotion or respect of religions and their symbols.

In order to fulfill the abovementioned objectives formulated by the Madrid Conference, the participants agreed on adopting the following:

1. Forming a working group to study the problems which hinder dialogue and prevent it from realizing its desired objectives. The group would also prepare a study that provides a vision for the solutions to these problems.

2. Promoting cooperation among religious, cultural, educational, and media institutions to deepen and consolidate ethical values, to encourage constructive social practices and to confront immoral behavior, family disintegration and other such degeneration.

3. Organizing inter-religious and intercultural meetings, conducting research, executing media programs and using Internet and other media for the dissemination of the culture of peace, understanding and harmonious coexistence.

4. Promoting the practice of dialogue among religions, civilizations and cultures through educational, cultural and media activities, in particular taking into consideration younger generations.

5. Informing the United Nations General Assembly of the results reached by this Conference.

In abiding by the above agreed principles and concepts, the participants emphasized that it is important for this World Conference on Dialogue to continue; consequently, sessions should be held periodically.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia took the lead in promoting a wider global interfaith dialogue that was held in New York.

Helping With Directions to Fujairah

Since writing and posting the directions by road from Dubai/Sharjah to Fujairah I have had many appreciative notes and requests for directions from other places.

Can You Help?
Can you help me by writing detailed directions to Fujairah from:

* Abu Dhabi?

* Ras al Khaimah?

* Other UAE towns and cities?

RSVP
If you are familiar with one of these routes and the next time you make the trip you are happy to jot down the directions and then send them to me for posting on this site, I would be most grateful.

Do drop me a note and tell me which route you will write up.

My email address is geoffpound[at]gmail.com

Dr Geoff Pound

Fujairah between Modernization and Maintaining Cultural Identity

Hugh Naylor, of The National, has written an interesting article about the winds of change in Fujairah which includes an interview with one of Fujairah’s key players, Saif al Afham, the general manager of Fujairah Municipality.

The article is at this link:
Hugh Naylor, Fujairah Faces a Balancing Act, The National, 15 November 2008.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Up from one of the Fujairah beaches are these light blue, tacky picnic tables that come with shade. With the cooler temperatures at the moment, the beach is a good place to go after lunch for a siesta and many do this after midday. See the men lying on the ground and on the back seat having a snooze.

Dead Fish on Dibba Beach Fujairah Due to Red Tide Algae

Salah Al Deberkey reports:

“Dibba-Al Fujairah and Dibba Al Hesn municipalities have stepped up their efforts to remove the huge collection of dead fish from their shores due to the red tide phenomenon.”

“The residents of Dibba-Fujairah and Dibba-Al Hesn have been complaining of the stench arising out of the situation. The red tide phenomenon occurs when there is higher than normal concentration of microscopic algae Karenia brevis (formerly known as Gymnodinium breve) in an area. The organism produces a toxin that affects the central nervous system of fish.”

“When red tide algae reproduce in dense concentrations or ‘blooms’, they are visible as discoloured patches of ocean water, often reddish in colour.”

The entire article can be read at:
Salah Al Deberkey, Dead Fish raise a Stink on Beaches at Fujairah, Khaleej Times, 15 November.

Main Fujairah Beaches and Kalba
One can still catch a passing whiff at the Fujairah and Kalba beaches but the red tide algae has not affected these areas as much as in Dibba.

Some Earlier Reports:
Smelling the Decline of the Fujairah Fishing Industry, FIF, 13 November 2008.

Fall of the Fishing Industry in Fujairah, FIF, 1 November 2008.

Algae Kills thousands of Fish at Fujairah’s Dibba Beach, FIF, 11 September 2008.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Aerial shot of red tide phenomenon in the USA (Photo courtesy, Google Images).

Sign for a Weekend in Fujairah

Sun Rising Over Fujairah This Morning

Smelling the Decline of the Fujairah Fishing Industry

In September and October 2008 there were reports of the seasonal Red Tide algae affecting the northern Fujairah beaches around Dibba.

In this month of November 2008 there are reports of Red Tide in the main Fujairah beaches and south to Kalba (Sharjah).

The Khaleej Times (11 November 2008) reported the stench but no dead fish. It also indicated that local spokespersons were downplaying the effect of the algae:

“Juma Al Hora, Director of the Kalba Municipality, said on Monday that fishing has not stopped and no fishermen has reported to the authorities about finding any dead fish and added [that] the phenomenon is natural, and often continues for ten days to two weeks. Thereafter, the water returns to the normal colour.”

“Abdullah Al Dali, Chairman of the Fishermen Association in Fujairah, also confirmed red tide reaching Fujairah beaches. ‘It is mild and has not spread to the high seas. It happens every year. It spreads stench and the water turns red,’ he noted. ‘The situation is safe and there is nothing to worry, as fishermen are venturing out to sea as normal.”

While more than 200 tonnes of dead fish were found floating along the coast near Dibba when the Red Tide struck, the situation does not appear to be of the same magnitude at the moment on the southern Fujairah beaches and at the Kalba beach.

With the wind coming off the sea in the last few days the lingering stench at Fujairah has been apparent even away from the beaches and in the suburbs. Yesterday (Wednesday), a few dead fish were to be seen on the Fujairah beach north of the Hilton Hotel beach.

Further north (where the blue covered tables and chairs line the beach) a dejected fishing team was reporting ‘No fish!’ The leader of the team, which was mainly from Kerala said, “We have fished most days for the last month but have not caught any fish.” What makes it particularly tough he said was, “No fish. No salary.”

A report on 1 November 2008 bemoaned the decline of the fishing industry in Fujairah, citing Red Tide algae and oil spills as contributors to this serious environmental and economic problem.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: “No fish. No salary.”

Picnicking Behind the Friday Market

Coming from Dubai and half way along Fujairah’s Friday Market there is a little road going off to the right that is worth taking.

On this dirt road there are some wonderful views of mountains and gorges.

There are no picnic places with seats and chairs but if you have a mat in the boot you can picnic in true Emirati style.

There are one or two trees for shade but at this time of the year the temperatures are very pleasant.

It has been an oasis for eons and with it being the highest point in the UAE, the Friday Market and Masafi generally enjoy the highest rainfall in the country.

This part of the Emirates has traditionally been a stopping place and a refueling area for motor vehicles and camel trains.

Stop your camel, set out your mat, peel the oranges and bananas you have just bought at the market, take a look at those ancient mountains and celebrate life!

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: One of the views behind the Friday Market. Click to enlarge.

Fujairah Ruler Leads UAE Contingent to Inter-Faith Dialogue

Fujairah Ruler in New York
News has been published today that His Highness Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, has arrived in New York to participate in the interfaith dialogue. This event has been initiated by King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz under the sponsorship of the United Nations. The Saudi King has also arrived and enjoyed cordial talks with President-Elect Obama.

Congratulations is expressed to the Fujairah ruler not only for being chosen to participate in this event but to be asked to lead the UAE delegation and to address the international gathering on Wednesday.

One can only hazard a guess at why HH Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi has been chosen to serve in such a key role at this historic three day event. The Fujairah Ruler is known as a man of welcome, hospitality and tolerance. In his own emirate he has followed the example of his father and shown welcome to all peoples. He has generously fostered the establishment of Christian churches, hospitals and other places of religious worship and activity in Fujairah. He will thus speak from his first-hand experience of many decades of extending peace to people of other faiths and cultures.

Ground Rules
Some of the basic rules for participants at interfaith conferences are the following:

1. An interfaith gathering is a dialogue not a debate (as it has been called). Debates are about taking sides, scoring points and declaring winners and losers. Dialogues are about talking, listening, learning and understanding what others say and feel.

2. A three-day event has time limitations so expectations must be realistic. Those coming from eastern cultures like the Middle East will know only too well the importance of establishing and building a relationship before any business can be adequately discussed or transacted. A three-day conference can only begin to establish relationships and must necessarily point to other occasions for further discussion and learning.

3. Large numbers of people generally are invited to attend these gatherings because people of faith are people of diversity. All members of Islam do not think the same or share the same commitments. This is true for followers of Judaism and Christianity. Each of these religions have the same joke—‘Get two Muslims/Jews/Christians together and you have three opinions’! Moreover the countries from which participants have come to New York will shape and color their religious emphases and expression.

4. While the record of history will provide all too many instances of intolerance and violence between people of different faiths, effective interfaith dialogue never begins with the recalling of wrongs and debating areas of disagreement. A better starting point is to discover and discuss the issues and commitments that participants have in common. Seeking to find ‘common ground’ gives participants a place to stand together.

5. One of the paramount values that Islam, Judaism and Christianity share is the commitment to peace.

Arabs greet people with the expression السلام عليكم As-Salāmu `Alaykum ‘Peace be upon you’.

Jews greet each other with the greeting שלום עליכם Shalom Aleichem ‘Peace be upon you’.

Christians don’t have the word 'peace' in their everyday greeting but the concept of ‘peace’ is central to their understanding of God, human relationships and that state of wellbeing that includes the whole environment.

At an interfaith conference peace must begin as participants greet but peace must be the goal of the gathering and of all relationships in the places where participants return home.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: The Ruler of Fujairah, H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Sharqi, meets several years ago with Kofi Annan, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Fujairah Oil Refinery License Issued to NAMG Group

Looks like it is all stations go for the NAMG Group who are planning a state of the art refinery in Fujairah.

Oil barrels are aimed to be rolling out by 2012.

Further Details:
NAMG Groups Gets License for Refinery in Fujairah, Scandinavian Oil-Gas Magazine, 10 November 2008.

Dr Geoff Pound

Global Crisis Could Bring Gulf States Together Over Recovery and Common Currency

Slowdown Expected
Officials meeting this week in Fujairah said:

“The UAE faces a slowdown in loan growth and real estate activity in fallout from the global financial crisis.”

“States in the world's biggest oil-exporting region are expecting the global problems to put the brakes on a regional economic boom supported by six years of high oil prices.”

“But Gulf economies sitting on surplus oil revenues would continue to post growth as they push ahead with a monetary union plan that has gained momentum during the financial turmoil, United Arab Emirates Central Bank Governor Sultan Nasser al-Suweidi said.”

“'The slowdown will be imposed on us … in everything we will see contractions,' he told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting in Fujairah, one of seven emirates in the UAE federation. 'But I think we will still be growing in all directions in a very comfortable way.'”

Currency Cooperation
“The global crisis could bring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members closer together as five of them, including Saudi Arabia, strive to launch a single currency by a 2010 deadline that had been derailed for years, Suweidi said.”

Source: Ola Galal, Global Crisis to Hit UAE loans, Real Estate, Reuters/Hemscott, 10 November 2008.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: GCC Logo.

Hajar Mountains at Friday Market Fujairah

This photo was taken in late afternoon behind some of the shops at Fujairah’s Friday Market.

The Hajar Mountains are striking against the vivid blue sky.

Check out this other photo taken earlier in the day of mountains nearby.

The sun adds a unique tinge according to the time of the day and the shadows bring a lovely contrast.

And always the ubiquitous electric power pylons to remind you that you are in Fujairah.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Hajar Mountains at Masafi’s Friday Market in late afternoon.

Visiting Wadi Wurayah

An article by Subramani Dharmarajan in Xpress News (5 November 2008) gives good insights into this Fujairah location.

It highlights the ancient nature of this mountain water source and the richness of the environment with its toads, rare orchids, snakes, fish and mountain goats

On the negative side of the ledger the children report how litter is spoiling the Fujairah environment along with the indelible graffiti.

To read the article:

Subramani Dharmarajan, Nature Lessons: JESS Kids at Wadi Wurayah, Xpress News, 5 November 2008.

For another story and photos of Wadi Wurayah see this link.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Children at Wadi Wurayah (photograph courtesy of Xpress News at above link)

Fujairah Ruler to represent UAE at Interfaith Dialogue in New York

In June of this year King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia proposed the progressive step of an interfaith conference. This is now materializing with Fujairah representatives to be involved.

A report from WAM says:
“President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has tasked Supreme Council member and Ruler of Fujairah, H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Sharqi, to represent him at the Interfaith Dialogues Conference, scheduled for New York from November 11 to 13.

The Ruler will be accompanied by a delegation made up of Foreign Minister, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Minister of State, Reem Al-Hashimi.

Other members of the delegation are Chairman of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Awqaf, Dr. Hamdan Musallam Al-Mazrue, Director of the Fujairah Ruler's Court, Mohammed Saeed Al-Danhani, other officials and UAE Ambassador to the US, Yusuf Mana Al-Otaiba.

The conference, which is being held under the theme: "The Culture of Peace and Dialogue Among Religions and Cultures", and under the auspices of the United Nations, was proposed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Shrines, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia.

Source: Fujairah Ruler to represent UAE at Interfaith Dialogue Confab in New York, WAM/SA, Nov 5, 2008.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: The Ruler of Fujairah, H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Sharqi.

Foreign Tourists Down Domestic Tourists up in Fujairah Hotels

"Steep air fares brought on by recent high oil prices coupled with increased room capacity saw hotels in the UAE's east coast emirate of Fujairah falling back on domestic tourist traffic to record an average performance this summer."

To read all the ups and downs in the Fujairah hotel business:

Fujairah Hotels Fall Back on Domestic Tourists, Zawya, 2 November 2008.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Le Meridien Hotel, Fujairah.

Fall of the Fishing Industry in Fujairah

In the Khaleej Times (1 November 2008) Salah Al Deberkey shares some devastating news about the fishing industry in Fujairah.

Head of the Fujairah Fishermen’s Association, Abdullah Al Dali, is concerned about these problems:

1. The decline in the number of Fujairah fishermen from 416 registered fishermen over the past few years to less than the current 200.

2. The fishing supply has shrunk due to several factors including the more than 30,000 fish that have died due to oil spills and the red tide algae that has affected some areas along the east coast.

3. The low catches have resulted in the fish prices soaring over a 70% increase in the last four months.

4. Some fish species, such as the Al Qobab, were not available any more.

5. Many fishermen are withdrawing from this ancient occupation.

Read the alarming article by Salah Al Deberkey:
A Poser to Fujairah Authorities: Where Have the Fishermen Gone? Khaleej Times, 1 November 2008.

Further Fish or Fishing Articles:
Fujairah Fly-fishing capital of the UAE, FIF, 15 November 2007.
Fujairah: Salt Water Fish Capital of the UAE, ETE, 3 June 2007.
Fishing in Fujairah, ETE, 27 April 2007.
Dead Fish, Oil and the Fujairah Beaches, ETE, 12 April 2007.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Fading scenes in Fujairah.

Pictures of Asiania and Fujairah Parachute Championships

The 12th Asiania Parachute Championships and the 1st Fujairah International Open were launched today (Friday 31 October 2008) with great festivity.

Grandstands were erected along the Fujairah Corniche with the Arabian Sea being a fitting backdrop to the colorful event.

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, the Fujairah Crown Prince, graced the event which was attended by several thousand people from Fujairah, the Emirates and many countries of the world. Over 400 competitors from 35 countries were welcomed by representatives of the Asiania and Fujairah Parachute Clubs.

The Fujairah Parachute team members descended holding flags of the UAE, the flags of participating countries and flags bearing the pictures of the rulers of the UAE.

Other parachutists hung from chutes in the colours of the sponsors of the competitions. While they jumped and jockeyed to hit the landing target, a band played.

A plane flew over the crowd for about ten minutes with noise and smoke trails adding to the atmosphere. At times it dropped so low it nearly shaved the heads of the spectators.

The final act was the fly around by several engine-powered parachutes that dropped paper in festive fashion.

View Some Pictures
An assortment of photographs from the opening ceremony can be seen at this online photo gallery.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: One of the colourful parachutes.

Parachutists Flying High Over Fujairah

On Friday 31 October the 12th Asiania Parachute Championships and the 1st Fujairah International Open 2008, is being staged in Fujairah.

These competitions are organised by the Fujairah International Airport and the Emirates Aviation Association and will continue until November 7.

The Friday spectacular is planned to get under way at 4pm near the Marina Club on the Fujairah Corniche and will feature 400 competitors from 35 countries.

Source: Fuad Ali, Fujairah Set for High-Flying Events, Gulf News, 29 October 2008.

Dr Geoff Pound

All About Plastic Recycling in Fujairah

Rajnish Sinha, the General Manager of Horizon Technologies at the Fujairah Free Zone, spoke to the Dubai Eye Breakfast Show this week (26 October 2008).

Rajnish was asked questions about his new recycling plant in Fujairah which is turning old plastic bottles from the UAE and Oman into new material.

Click on this link to hear the 20 minutes interview from 103.8 Dubai Eye.

Further:
Oman Leads UAE in Recycling By Using Fujairah Facility, FIF.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Many of the workers at the Horizon Technologies recycling plant in Fujairah. Rajnish is in the front row wearing a black shirt. (Photo courtesy of Horizon Technologies)

Bad New for Oil Refinery in Fujairah

Chris Stanton at The National reports:

Wide profit margins for oil refiners are coming to an end along with the world’s appetite for oil, experts say, marking the end to a long boom in the downstream oil industry.

The downturn comes just as the UAE is set to double its refining capacity and could slow the country’s efforts to diversify its oil and gas industry away from simple crude oil exports.

That is bad news for the UAE, which is in the midst of expanding its refinery at Ruwais and studying the feasibility of building a refinery in Fujairah. Together, the two export-orientated projects would add 617,000 barrels per day (bpd) to the country’s current refining capacity of 628,000 bpd.

To read the full article:
Chris Stanton, Refining Losing its Lustre, The National, 27 October 2008.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Oil refinery, Fujairah.